grounding probe
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: Equipment
Forum Description: This is the place to ask question about reef equipment.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=51028
Printed Date: July 03 2026 at 11:11pm
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Topic: grounding probe
Posted By: hedgefish
Subject: grounding probe
Date Posted: August 30 2011 at 11:42am
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is it possible to make a grounding probe instead of buying one ------------- hedgefish |
Replies:
Posted By: MIK3B
Date Posted: August 30 2011 at 6:56pm
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I'm actually interested in this as well - I've read that you can use a coat hanger in a pinch, seems kinda ghetto to me... but those who've made something themselves have used titanium bicycle spokes or stainless steel bolts, using something with copper or brass or plating will obviously leach into the tank. The ones you buy are made of titanium, which is probably why they cost ~$10.
It seems there are some strong opinions out there and the experts will tell you that the probe just gives the current (the deadly part, voltage is just the potential, current is what can KILL) an exit path, the proponents state that it is not for your inhabitants protection, that it is only for you. I use one, and am lucky because just yesterday I detected a voltage leak from my skimmer pump http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=51005 - (link) that could have been a disaster - I have kids who love to feed the fish for me and play near and even in the tank. Here are some links: http://www.google.com/search?q=DIY+aquarium+grounding+probe&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a - Google Search http://www.3reef.com/forums/general-reef-topics/do-you-use-ground-probe-why-63790.html - A Poll on 3reef http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1488527 - ReefCentral http://angel-strike.com/aquarium/GroundingProbes.html - Another article referenced If you make one, post it up and let us know the results - and make sure you measure the resistance with an ohmmeter, it should be as close to zero as possible on the lowest setting your meter has. |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: August 30 2011 at 9:43pm
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There are facts. Listen to the opinions, but count on the facts. One rule of thumb is to avoid metal in the aquarium, though titanium is safe. The need for a GFCI-ground probe setup is a matter of choice. I've had about 50 of my own reef aquariums and have worked on several hundred. I never saw a need to make it more complicated because that then required an additional safety feature, making it even more complicated.  I'd be happy to explain how I have avoided all the gadgets without incident.  ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
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